Remhoogte First Light Chenin

Description

This slope of Chenin Blanc grows in cool conditions, combined with fresh maritime breezes which provide for optimal ripening and preserved freshness in the wine. The nose is full of aromas of fresh apricots, lemon, limes, and oranges. The palate is fresh and limey with a zesty acidity. Touches gentle spice leave you to a refreshing finish. The vines are between 30 and 50 years old which ensure the quality and depth you will keep refilling your glass for.

Grape(s): Chenin Blanc
ABV: 13%

About the supplier:

Founded in 1812, Remhoogte (Dutch for ‘Brake Heights’) is situated on the steep South Western slopes of the famous Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. The story starts with the land bearing not fruit, but a very, very large diamond. The diamond found on the land was one of the largest ever found on the earth, and who else would have purchased it but the Queen of England. The diamond was named the Remhoogte diamond and now sits firmly set in the queen’s crown and staff as part of the history of the Commonwealth and the British link with South Africa.

It was the Remhootge diamond that changed the family’s trajectory, being able to invest and have the necessary capital. That said, the complex Remhoogte soils are over 250 million years old, some of the oldest of any wine region in the world, resulting in wines rich in character and authenticity with a unique sense of place. This is a true family business run by two second generation brothers Chris and Rob, taking over the running of the business from their parents Murray and Juliet Boustred.

With the soils, slopes and terroir being perfectly suited for the production of top end red wines the focus is on Bordeaux varietals as well as South Africa’s own Pinotage. On the white wines the focus is on Chenin Blanc produced from old vines, a cultivar that performs incredibly well in this region.

Everything is done by hand in the vineyards and cellar with the help of eight families who live and work on the estate. The philosophy in the vineyards and cellar is to interfere as little as possible during the grape growing and wine making process, farming for the future generations so sustainability is key to ensure the health of the soils and vineyards continues.